Defoe returned to North London with Spurs this week to train with the club’s development squad in order to stay match fit, and Mauricio Pochettino refused to comment on whether the Toronto star could return to White Hart Lane for a third time.

“No comment about that. Jermain is a big idol for the supporters, but his situation is clear,” the Spurs managed said ahead of the team’s game against Crystal Palace this weekend.

Defoe scored 137 goals in 352 appearances during his two previous spells at Tottenham before joining Toronto for £6 million last year.

His huge wage demands have meant clubs such as Hull City, Leicester City and Queens Park Rangers have held off making a move for the English forward, though QPR manager Harry Redknapp – who has managed Defoe at West Ham, Portsmouth and Spurs, did make an attempt to sign him in August.

Spurs could afford to bring back the 32-year-old striker in a move that would delight supporters, but Daniel Levy is unlikely to bring Defoe back unless one of the current strikers is sold first.

Emmanuel Adebayor and Roberto Soldado have failed to make any sort of impact now, scoring just three Premier League goals between them so far this year. Harry Kane has been the star, netting 17 goals in all competitions but the Lilywhites still need to bolster their attack.

Defoe could remain in MLS but the next three weeks will decide his future as the January transfer window shuts at the end of the month and if he is still a Toronto player then, he will be able to concentrate on at least another season in Canada.